The property is pre-1920, but not Registered and is terraced with other residential properties of non-matching designs fronting Georgetown Road. The relevant policies are HWD5, which is being updated by the emerging Policy HE4, and G3. The application sought to replace the front door and all ground floor and first floor windows on the front elevation, and 3 windows on the rear at first and second floor. The existing window frames are aluminium, the proposed are 2 pane light oak coloured upvc with a pivoting opening system. The existing door is a timber framed modern style glazed door, proposed to be replaced with upvc. The design was not specified. The property has been altered with the addition of flat roofed dormers to the front and rear. There is no planning history. Receipt of the application, and of the Request for Reconsideration were advertised on site and in the press. No representations were received. There were no consultations. All of the policies noted above seek to retain original features where possible or replication of the originals in order to enhance the appearance of non-Registered buildings. This includes the proportions, method of opening, visual weight, detail and finish. The proposed window style does not reflect or complement the style of window original to this property which would have been a 2 pane vertical sliding timber sash. The property is prominently located so that the front elevation is highly visible. The rear is land locked. Permission was granted for the replacement of the aluminium windows to the rear, which will not be visible to public view, but this was not thought acceptable on the front elevation. The description was therefore amended to apply to the rear elevation only and an informative added to the permit to explain that replacement windows to the front should be timber framed replicas of the original windows. The agents letter requesting Reconsideration states that the existing windows are of poor quality and design, and that the proposed replacements will give the appearance of a sash and be of better quality than the existing. The letter is attached. |